Extra Virgin Olive Oil Protects Heart Health
Studies have discovered that high monounsaturated fat diets lower LDL cholesterol, raise HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides better than lower-fat, higher-carb diets do.
Known as an antioxidant called polyphenols, Extra Virgin Oil is thought of as an anti-inflammatory food and cardiovascular protector.
When someone’s immune system starts to fight their own body because of a poor diet, stress or other factors, inflammatory responses are triggered that lead to cautionary, disease-causing inflammation.
The main purpose of inflammation is to protect us against illnesses and help repair the body when needed, but chronic inflammation is very harmful to arterial health and connected to heart disease, autoimmune diseases and much more.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil helps reverse inflammatory along with age-and disease-related changes to the heart and blood vessels, according to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology.
Research says Olive Oil is beneficial for reducing high blood pressure mainly because it makes nitric oxide more bioavailable, which keeps arteries dilated, healthy and clear.
The protective effects of a Mediterranean-style diet rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from olive oil have been shown in many studies, with a few discovering that this type of higher-fat diet has the ability to decrease the risk of cardiac death by 30 percent and sudden cardiac death by 45%.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Helps Fight Cancer
According to a 2004 study published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention, Olives and Olive Oil have an abundance of antioxidants. They are actually some of the best high antioxidant foods.
Olives (especially those that have not been subjected to high-heat processes) contain acteosides, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and phenyl propionic acids.
Both olives and olive oil contain a good amount of other compounds known to be anticancer agents (e.g., squalene and terpenoids) as well as the peroxidation-resistant lipid oleic acid.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Helps With Weight Loss and Obesity Prevention
Eating plenty of healthy fats is an essential element in controlling added insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar levels, makes us gain weight, and keeps the weight packed on despite us cutting calories and exercising more.
Fats are satiating and aid with bringing down hunger, cravings and overeating. This is one reason why a handful of studies have found that diets low in fat don’t result in weight loss or weight maintenance as easily or often as balanced, higher-fat diets do.
A 2002 study published in the Women’s Health Journal, for example, found that an olive oil-enriched diet brought about greater weight loss than a lower-fat diet in an eight-week comparison.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Supports Brain Health
The brain is mainly made up of fatty acids, and we require a high level on a daily basis to properly perform tasks, regulate our moods and think thoroughly and clearly. Similar to other sources of healthy fats, Olive Oil is thought to be a brain food that improves focus and memory.
In addition, Olive Oil may also help fight age-related cognitive decline, as it’s part of the Mediterranean diet and offers monounsaturated fatty acids associated with sustained brain health.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can Help Lower Breast Cancer Risk
A case-control study conducted in Italy in 1995 discovered that, over 2,564 cases of breast cancer, higher consumption of olive oil was correlated with a lower risk of developing the disease.
While there aren’t clear reasons for this, there is often an assumed interaction between healthy fats and hormone function, which could be one possible reasons.
If you only think about using Balsamic Vinegar when it’s time to make a salad, you're truly missing out. Sweet, tangy and savory Balsamic Vinegar can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some of our favorites.
Use Balsamic Vinegar To Finish Soups and Sauces
Balsamic Vinegar and ripe summer tomatoes have a well-known resemblance to one another. From that seamless summer salad, it is not too difficult to make the jump to tomato-based soups and sauces.
Now add a small hint of Balsamic Vinegar to these dishes at the very end of cooking to help elevate those mouthwatering flavors.
Use Balsamic Vinegar In Braised Dishes
While Balsamic Vinegar added at the very end of cooking adds brightness to any dish, using a bit of Balsamic Vinegar as part of the liquid in a braise gives the whole dish a deep, rich, slightly sweet flavor, similar to the dish for braised French Onion Chicken or this one for braised spring radishes.
Use Balsamic Vinegar Reduced To A Syrup
We also suggest Balsamic Vinegar syrup drizzled over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Especially if you are adding strawberries. If you have a quality Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, reducing it is often not needed.
If you are using a basic Balsamic Vinegar, throw a cup or so in a small saucepan some some sugar. A stick of cinnamon can also add a unique flavor. Next, let it reduce until syrupy, then let it calm and chill before using.
Use Balsamic Vinegar For Marinating Meat and Tofu
With some sliced shallots and a small amount of mustard, Balsamic Vinegar is great for marinating. It's amazing with steak and other read meats, but can also be used for tofu and large portabella mushrooms.
Use Balsamic Vinegar In Soda and Cocktails
Given its sweet character, balsamic has a very similar flavor profile as Vinegar-based shrubs. You can even dilute Balsamic Vinegar in soda water for a very grown-up fizzy drink.
